London: Former Indian President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will address 'The Big Hope' global youth congress in Liverpool (England), to be held between 4^th and 11^th June, 2008 at the Liverpool Hope University.

Dr. Kalam will be attending 'The Big Hope' for two days during the one-week long event and is expected to deliver a key note speech to the assembled delegates invited from across the world.

'The Big Hope' is Liverpool's biggest ever summit meeting of young people and is Hope University's official contribution to the 2008 European Capital of Culture celebrations.

The meet is moreover, being billed as a mini-version of the United Nations, with delegates hearing keynote speeches from some of the world's most influential people and debating a wide range of issues from human rights, global co-existence and international development to education, arts, sport and culture - all critical topics of the day.

The presence of Dr. Kalam at the meet will strengthen Liverpool Hope University's long and established link with India.

Strong international partnerships exist between The Big Hope and many of India's leading faith based higher education institutions including many national ones such as, Christ College (Bangalore), Stella Maris College (Chennai), Bishop Heber College (Trichirappalli), St Xavier's College (Mumbai) and the University of Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).

Dr. Kalam will join other dignitaries representing India at the meet including peace activists Sushobha Barve and Niketu Iralu from the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation, New Delhi.

Other notable speakers include Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume, Cherie Booth QC and President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

During his visit to the University, Dr. Kalam will be entertained throughout the evening with Indian music, food and cultural events attended by representatives from Liverpool Hope University including Director of The Big Hope, Professor Bill Chambers, South Asian Arts Development Agency, Milapfest and one of the Big Hope's sponsors, the 'Liverpool Hindu Cultural Association', along with many of the Indian delegates who will be actively participating in the Big Hope.

Commenting on the Big Hope and Dr. Kalam's attendance, Professor Bill Chambers said, "We are absolutely delighted that Dr. Kalam will be joining us in June for The Big Hope. This event is a truly global congress, which has attracted some of the biggest names in politics, religion, business, the environment, human rights and culture. Never before has such an event taken place for young, future leaders to gather together and learn from world experts and inspirational leaders".

"On behalf of Liverpool Hope University and our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pillay, I look forward to welcoming Dr. Kalam to Liverpool to what, I'm sure will be one of the highlights of the European Capital of Culture Year", added Chambers.

The Big Hope is expected to attract over 1000 delegates from 44 countries across the globe. It will close with a grand finale, during which Gerry Marsden will sing the infamous 'Ferry Cross the Mersey' and his famous Liverpool FC anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone".